Communist Party of India (Marxist) releases manifesto for 2026 Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has released its manifesto for the 2026 Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections, placing key emphasis on granting full statehood to Puducherry, ensuring 50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies, and promoting mother-tongue-based education. The party has also proposed the establishment of a separate state education board, 6 per cent budget allocation for education and greater decentralisation of powers to strengthen local governance.
The party has also proposed measures to strengthen revenue generation, including recovery of dues in electricity, transport and local bodies, strengthening public sector undertakings, bringing liquor wholesale under government control, launching a state-run cable television network, and developing tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner.
In the social sector, the party has assured free and quality healthcare for all, improved government hospitals and annual health check-ups. The party has also highlighted welfare measures for workers, including those in the gig economy, and enhanced social security for the elderly, differently-abled and transgender persons. The manifesto also promises measures to protect the environment and ensure safe drinking water supply to all households.
The manifesto outlines a range of welfare and development measures, including prioritising agriculture, fisheries and small-scale industries, and creating employment through industrial and IT parks. It also promises to strengthen the public distribution system by supplying essential commodities and provide housing support, including free house sites and rental assistance for the poor. In the Puducherry Assembly elections, the CPI(M) is contesting from Lawspet and Thirubhuvanai constituencies while extending support to an independent candidate in Mahe.